London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Sutton 1967
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Sutton]
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BLIND
| Homeworkers | Workshop Employees | Employed in Open Industry |
|---|---|---|
| 1 basket maker | 1 operative in soap factory | 1 audio typist |
| 1 piano tuner | 1 carpenter | |
| 1 chair caner | 1 kiosk manager | |
| 1 piano teacher | 1 physiotherapist | |
| 2 physiotherapists | 2 shorthand typists | |
| 1 teacher of dancing | 5 assembly workers | |
| 1 consultant (Engineering) | ||
| 1 packer | ||
| 1 Social Welfare Officer | ||
| for the Blind | ||
| 1 bench fitter | ||
| 4 factory operatives | ||
| 1 housekeeper | ||
| 1 shopkeeper | ||
| 2 telephonists | ||
| 7 | 1 | 25 |
| PARTIALLY-SIGHTED | 2 cleaners | |
| 2 nursery gardeners | ||
| 2 laundry hands | ||
| 1 receptionist | ||
| 2 clerical workers | ||
| 6 factory operatives | ||
| 1 salesman | ||
| 1 electrician | ||
| 1 master builder | ||
| 1 pastry hand | ||
| 1 telephonist | ||
| 20 |
A specialist placement service is provided by the Ministry of
Labour and the work of the Blind Persons' Resettlment Officer in liaison with
the Social Welfare Officers for the Blind, plays a prominent part in
successfully placing and keeping blind and partially-sighted persons in
employment. Many follow-up calls are required in settling blind persons in
open employment, and although those who are capable and available for
employment are relatively few, a great amount of perseverance and patience
is required in securing the successful placement of a blind man and woman
in employment.
Home Teaching. Visiting and Advisory Service
The total of blind persons "not available for employment"
and "not capable of employment" account for a large proportion of elderly
persons who are not in the employment field. The 312 people not working
represents 89% of the grand total of 350 blind persons, and the total of
49 partially-sighted persons represent 61% of the total register of 80 persons.
It can therefore be seen that most of the time of the two Social Welfare
Officers for the Blind is spent in home visiting and a total of 1,362 visits
were made to the homes of blind and partially-sighted persons during the
year. 365 lessons were given in either Braille or Moon, or in pastime
occupations in the homes of blind persons, and 128 escort duties in connection
with blind persons' visits to hospitals, rehabilitation centres, eye
units, clinics, etc. were undertaken. It is gratifying to report that
the social activities and handicraft centres have had excellent support during
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